Bond No. 9 New Haarlem- is there a better gourmand?

I have been planning on buying Bond No. 9 New Haarlem, but am not thrilled about the meager 1.7 oz for $150. I am going to Scentbar this weekend, and would appreciate any recommendations of great gourmands you feel I should try that are as good as, or better than New Haarlem. I definitely don't want it to be more masculine than NH- something right in that unisex kind of vein. Thanks everyone and Happy Friday!!

"I don't mind living in a man's world, as long as I can be a woman in it."
— Marilyn Monroe

Re: Bond No. 9 New Haarlem- is there a better gourmand?

I actually prefer L'instant EDP to New Haarlem. NH is one of the few frags that cloys even my sweet tooth. But it is very good, as well as a very rich and full experience. A little goes along way, too, for me it did at least.

Re: Bond No. 9 New Haarlem- is there a better gourmand?

I just found and tried Rochas Man a few hours ago since I have heard everyone comparing them so much on Basenotes. Rochas Man is nice, but definitely not as heavy or strong on the coffee. I like the $40 price tag, but not sure this will satiate my need for a deep, dark and rich gourmand. I did sniff Anamale and found it to have too much fruit for my liking. Gotta love that bottle though!

"I don't mind living in a man's world, as long as I can be a woman in it."
— Marilyn Monroe

Re: Bond No. 9 New Haarlem- is there a better gourmand?

Re: Bond No. 9 New Haarlem- is there a better gourmand?

+1 to NH and L'Instant EDP, though the latter is borderline for "gourmand." Pure Malt...but that might be too masculine.

RE: Rochas Man, I own it and barely ever wear it. You very much get what you pay for when you jump from RM to New Haarlem. I suggest looking around for a good deal on fragrancenet or amazon.com for the 3.3oz b/c you will blow through a small bottle in the winter.

Re: Bond No. 9 New Haarlem- is there a better gourmand?

Originally Posted by volley2

New Haarlem is already great but Tonka Imperiale is even better.

Oh. My. God. Per your suggestion, I tried this. Good bye Rochas Man. You are on the back burner for now, New Haarlem. This is frigging AMAZING. One sniff and I was in love. I plunked down the $235 for a bottle on the spot- no sample needed. This is what I have been searching for in a fragrance for a very, very long time. I can't believe this has never been suggested to me when looking for a tobacco gourmand type thats not too sweet. This is dark, ultra spicy and unreal. Its a totally different gourmand than NH, but much, much more wearable. I am sure I will pick up NH at some point... but for now... this is my Holy Grail. Until I find the next Holy Grail. : ) Thank you Volley!!! I would also mention there are hardly any reviews on this one on BN! I can't believe it.

"I don't mind living in a man's world, as long as I can be a woman in it."
— Marilyn Monroe

Re: Bond No. 9 New Haarlem- is there a better gourmand?

+1 for Tonka Imperiale. Beautiful.

Howabout Histoires de Parfum's 1740? I own both and find a similar vibe between this and New Haarlem... but consider 1740 FAR more sophisticated and wearable (and people don't ask you if you work at IHOP).

If you're looking at Lutens, the Dry Chocolate-Patchouli of BORNEO 1834 and the candied fruit that plays nicely with the pine of FILLE EN AIGUILLES (a recent discovery that hits very closely to the praised opening of Amouages Opus IV without the lackluster drydown) are also worth checking out.

Re: Bond No. 9 New Haarlem- is there a better gourmand?

After owning and wearing Tonka Imperiele, I love it and think its one of the most well done, long lasting perfumes I have encountered. But- I really don't find it comparable to NH, I think they are very, very different. With Tonka its all about the vanilla and cedar. NH is just darker, more maple burnt sugar. I think they are both wonderful but I don't consider them similar at all.

I agree, Rochas smells great, but its a bit too subtle for me and didn't seem to last long. Now that I have NH, I can't picture myself reaching for Rochas Man over that when I am in the mood for that kind of scent. New Haarlem also seems to be the fragrance my husband likes and reacts to the most out of anything I own.

Borneo 1834 has always been suggested to me as a gourmand. I don't find it very gourmand like though, personally. Its great- but I get more of a dry, ashy scent than foody. Spicy and lovely though for sure!

Never tried Parfumes 1740 but have just added to my need to try list!! : )

"I don't mind living in a man's world, as long as I can be a woman in it."
— Marilyn Monroe

Re: Bond No. 9 New Haarlem- is there a better gourmand?

IMHO chez bond n.9 is way to ordinary, and always trying to pose as Star among really good houses.
Chez bond n.9 frags are extremely synthetic and Expensive, make yourself a favour, go:

Serge Lutens - Chergui
By Kilian - Back to black
Montale - Blue Amber

Above mentioned fragrances are not only Cheaper, but better and honest, at least!!!

New Haarlem beats out these easily if you're lookin for a gourmand. Chergui is very feminine and powdery to my nose and one I didn't really enjoy. Back to Black is good but, if you want tobacco I'd suggest Tobacco Vanille as I feel it's better. Never tried Blue Amber so I can't comment.
Dismissing a fragrance because of the house it comes from is snobbery. Maurice Roucel created New Haarlem, Bond No.9 just approved it and sells it.